Best Bars for a Negroni in London

Born in a humble tavern in the innocent city of Florence, the Negroni has survived the turbulent wars of the Continent and blossomed into a classic concoction. Having been twisted and flared in new ways over the decades, it's managed to hang on to its base; every version of this traditional treat is created using Gin, Vermouth and a splash of Campari, infused together to give the mixture a bitter-sweet taste. While London's newest bar push boundaries to new lengths, the most authentic watering-holes instead focus their attention on producing the best classic cocktails around. Here's a list of ten London bars that seem to have perfected the process for making an irresistible Negroni.

Don't let the trendy interiors and disguised exteriors of Jaguar Shoes fool you; when it comes to making a negroni in London, they know what they're doing. Proud of its bites and East London edge, try this special negroni for a firm start to any night.

Keeping things short and bittersweet, Dalston's Acqua7 offers some of the finest classic cocktails in town. Boasting a simple mix of Campari Antica Formula and East London Liquor Co. Gin, it's testament to quality over quirks.

Manipulating infused spirits, handmade syrups, and the freshest ingredients, The Bermondsey Arts Club is an art deco space of 1930s persuasion and tailored mixology. Taking residency of a former public conveniences, you'll find only the best hand crafted cocktails served in a wholly unique setting. Word on the street is their barrel-aged Negroni hits the spot quite nicely for some Winter spice.

Although obviously having made a name for itself by serving up ice-cold martinis, the team at Dirty Martini take their love of all things Vermouth and apply it to this Italian treat. The stormy, red colour of their Negroni contrasts sharply with the clear, ice cold drinks this watering hole is used to producing. With bars all over the place, Dirty Martini has definitely become a household name in London's cocktail scene and now boasts a drinks menu that's as diverse as any in the capital.

There's a lot to rave about Gotta Trattoria: their daily changing menu of Italian dishes are delicious, their hand-rolled pasta is exactly what you need, and the alfresco dining area is ideal for the summer months. But the ace in their hand is actually their negronis: mixed and bottled themselves, it's their signature drink, and perfect to sip on the banks of the River Lee.

Using Martini Rosso Vermouth, dark-red Campari and straight Gin, Long Bar at the Sanderson Hotel doffs its cap to tradition with this Italian favourite. Long Bar itself oozes serenity; decorated using light, pastil colours and with tranquil wallpaper, you'll feel as if you're inside a water-colour painting in this Fitzrovia hotspot. Completing the experience, their furniture is anything but mundane; think bright pink victorian armchairs and original, leather lounge couches painted a deep purple colour.

Found in the heart of Waterloo and hailed as one of the most opulent bars in the city, it's no wonder that Dandelyan churn out some of the finest cocktails in town. Join them for a negroni as you sup on the finest flavours and cut glassware.

Dry and bitter in taste, but full of life and character, Be At One in Clapham create their Negroni by infusing Sloe Gin and rogue Vermouth in a crystal tumbler full of ice, before adding the bitter flavours of Campari to the blood-red mixture. Boasting one of the biggest cocktail lists in South London, Be At One's talented mixologist have an arsenal of spices, spirits and juices at their disposal, and have the prowess to produce any flavourful concoction exactly to your liking.

It's not just Peruvian and Mexican small plates at Leicester Square Kitchen. Their South American cocktail list has an amazing Aztec twist on the Negroni. Expect a mix of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila, lime and agave syrup with a smoked salt rim.

With expert mixologist Jerome Slesinski in charge of the delicious drinks, Upstairs at the Ten Bells offers guests a lesson in making a mouth-watering Negroni. Built above the historic Ten Bells pub, which has been serving drinks to London's East End for over 350 years, this hidden nook is decorated with crystal chandeliers, rustic armchairs and smatterings of urban art pieces. Like all negroni cocktails, their version of this Italian classic has a Gin and Vermouth base, infused with blood-red Campari.

Black Sheep are known for their coffee and cocktails, so most people know them for their Espresso Martini. Well, they're also kings of the negroni too, which you can drink in the cool venue surrounded by arty interiors.